College Connection awards 15 grants
Fourteen area seniors received $1,000 grants from Crawford College Connection at its annual awards program and reception May 20 in the fellowship hall of Epworth United Methodist Church. In addition, one adult learner was awarded a $500 by the organization.
Kyle Smith, Wynford High School, and Emily Lust, Colonel Crawford High School, received a $1,000 nursing grant in memory of Dr. Mart Helfrich. Mrs. Anna Helfrich funds the grants.
“Mrs. Helfrich’s generosity has helped several area students pursue their nursing education,” said Margaret Thornton, director of Crawford College Connection.
Taylor Bahm, Bucyrus High School, received a $1,000 grant in memory of Oletha Pfleiderer. The grant is funded by a donation from the In-As-Much Circle of King’s Daughters and Sons of Bucyrus. Oletha Pfleiderer, a long-time member of the In-As-Much Circle, had been a teacher, and although she and her husband had no children of their own, they helped provide college educations for several Crawford County students.
Four students received Crawford College Connection grants funded by the organization’s partnership with Bucyrus Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 669. Travis Skaggs and Sarah Delaney from Bucyrus High School and Rachel Roseberry and Destinee Reynolds from Colonel Crawford High School received these $1,000 grants.
“The local Moose Lodge has been extraordinarily helpful to Crawford College Connection. Their contributions enable us to provide activities and programs for local kids, as well as these grants,” said Thornton. “The Moose members are interested in helping young people continue their education, and we are very grateful for their support,” Thornton added.
Edward Higgins received a $1,000 Crawford College Connection grant funded by the generosity of the Bucyrus Elks. “We appreciate so much the support of this organization and their interest helping area students,” said Thornton.
Four grants were awarded from the endowment created by funds from Orletha Hartschuh.
“Mrs. Hartschuh knew education could change lives,” said Thornton. “Her wish was to provide opportunities for Wynford students.” Orletha Hartschuh Grants of $1,000 went this year to Wynford graduates Colton Cole, Pamela DeLong, Elana Hoffman and Ryan Richmond.
Crawford College Connection also gives the ABC (A Better Chance) Award in honor of retired Wynford elementary teacher Mrs. Linda Anderson. “Mrs. Anderson’s son Shawn was instrumental in founding Crawford College Connection,” noted Thornton, “and he served on our original board of trustees.” This $1000 grant went to Bucyrus student Annie Frizzell.
This year the first Bob and Sandy Laipply “Dream Big” Grant was awarded to Bucyrus graduate Kayla Ramsey. In April Laipply’s son Jud performed at Wynford and Bucyrus High Schools without charge. “Normally our organization could not afford to have a nationally recognized speaker/performer work with our students, but Jud wanted to give back to this community. We decided that an appropriate way to thank him was to establish a grant to honor his parents. Bob and Sandy Laipply obviously had a profound effect on their son’s future, but they have encouraged many young people in this community to “dream big.”
Carol Mason, Crawford College Connection’s adult coordinator, presented an Adult Learner Award of $500 to Angie Houseburg, who is pursuing a degree at North Central State College.
“We are thrilled to be able to help a worthy adult continue education. This award is funded by a grant from the former Bucyrus Business and Professional Women. That organization encouraged many women to improve their lives, and we will continue their work through this grant,”Thornton said.
Thornton concluded the program by noting that Crawford College Connection could not accomplish nearly so much without the financial support of individuals, civic organizations, and dedicated volunteers. Since the organization’s beginning in 2000, it has provided more than $60,000 in scholarship assistance to local students.
“I am so grateful for those who have donated money and time to help kids,” Thornton said.
